Penny Howk Beavers was born in Joliet, IL in August 1942 to John and Aileen Howk, and died Sunday, March 9, 2025.
Penny, like her mother, Aileen, started playing the harp at the young age of five. She went on to graduate from the University of Michigan with a degree in music/harp. She moved to Fresno and then on to Cambria where she taught harp and also played for weddings and other special occasions.
Penny was the harpist for many movies, including the Star Wars Trilogy, and played the harp for many talented musicians, such as Johnny Mathis and Linda Ronstadt, both in concert as well as studio work. She was very active in her church in Fresno, and later in Cayucos where she played for church services every Sunday as well as many church functions.
Penny was actively involved in both the Central Coast Wedding Professionals as well as the American Harp Society. As the treasurer of the American Harp Society Foundation, she had been actively involved for years with judging and awarding scholarships to worthy young harpists. She was able to travel all over the world playing her harp.
Penny had sparkling blue eyes, a great sense of humor and an infectious laugh. She will be missed not only for her beautiful harp music but by her many friends all around the world.
Penny is survived by her brother, Bruce (Patricia) Howk and sister, Jill (Vic) Genge.
A memorial service to honor Penny’s life, followed by a lunch reception will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 12, at the Cayucos Community Church, 60 S. 3rd St. in Cayucos. As Penny would have said, “Have a harpy day!”
